The Memorial ServiceMy thoughts:This story came about as my response to the May challenge on the SHADO Writer’s Guild. The idea came about from some of the discussion on Beaver James. The challenge was to write a story centering on a minor character in the series. I’m finally getting caught up with my author’s notes.For this story I chose Lieutenant Ayshea Johnson. With the exception of the episode The Cat with Ten Lives, and the beginning of Mindbender, she didn’t have much exposure in the series. This was a chance to flesh her character out a bit more.The story opens with an unnamed operative walking into HQ. We learn who she is when Miss Ealand greets her. We know from the episodes that Ayshea was working on Moonbase during Mindbender. In my storylines she had requested a transfer just before Timelash.Being a member of SHADO is a stressful and at times dangerous occupation. In Mindbender, six operatives were killed, including Captain James. Because of that, these services were fairly commonplace. We find out that Ayshea was very close to one of the people lost.In addition to Dale, Conroy, and James, I put names to the other people that were lost in Mindbender. Beaver’s death was especially tragic as he had already sacrificed greatly for his shipmates. It seemed only fair to single him for the Medal of Honor.I wanted to make a very powerful emotional statement with this story so I spent quite a bit of time composing the words that Ed spoke from the dais. I think the pause at the beginning, with Ayshea watching the Commander did just as much to set the tone as the words used and I could see Straker giving the eulogy in my head.I enjoyed Ayshea’s conversation with Keith before and after the service as they observed the reactions of others in the room. I deliberately left the “rumor” about Ed and Ginny somewhat vague. For those who have read my Soul Mates saga, this ties in, but it is left to the reader’s interpretation.One point that Ed makes during the eulogy is, “…let us speak well and often of them and never forget their memory.” This was one of my favorite lines. When she arrives back on Moonbase, Ayshea takes his words to heart.I was very pleased with the feedback I received on this story and I think the overall tone of the piece was where I wanted it to be.I hope everyone enjoyed this story as much as I did writing it.